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Audiosilente idler wheel versus Artisan Fidelity idler wheel for a Garraed 401

Greetings,
I am considering upgrading to a new idler wheel for my Garrard 401. Reviews on forums seem to agree that there is a noticeable improvement in sound achieved. There are two possibilities that I am considering. 

The Audiosilente idler wheel is US$365
Artisan Fidelity is approx. Euros 100.

I ma wondering if anyone has any commentary are experience which of these two may offer the greatest improvements. I am certainly interested in an improvement in dynamics and everything else that is possible!

Artisan Fidelity https://www.artisanfidelity.com/accessories/garrard-301-precision-idler-wheel

Material - Austenitic Stainless Steel CNC machined case hardened CNC ground inner coupling pin, near true zero measured radial run-out.  State-of-the-Art CNC/CAM Machining achieves ultra close tolerances and accurate concentric form. Heavy weight enhances flywheel effect.Periphery Outer Drive Material - Concentric, Molded Seamless Rubber based Composite, precision CNC ground, near zero measured axial run-out. Manufactured as direct OEM Garrard 301 Schedule I & II / Garrard 401 / Garrard 501 Model replacement part.

The Audiosilent is aluminum with a square rubber outside ring.
http://www.audiosilente.com/garrard-401-idler-wheel-garrard-401.html

Any commentary would be most welcome.
Thank you, 

mozartbrain

Showing 5 responses by mozartbrain

mozartbrain OP
18 posts
 
Thank you all for your comments.
Can anyone conform that the dynamics improved with either the AS or AF?
I remember when I heard a Garrard 301 where the owner had machined their own idler wheel. It was one piece and he commented that the wheel was ever so slightly smaller (diameter) so as the contact with the platter had more 'sensitivity' that created more dynamics. Does that make sense to anyone? Or maybe I'm confused.
Thx,
 
mozartbrain OP
18 posts
 
@dangcaonguyen 
@vetterone 
@lewm 
I think that the machinist who made the idler said that he had reduced the 'pressure' between the wheel and the platter. He found that this allowed more dynamics. I guess the platter was not so 'rigid' in its lateral spinning motion so that the needle moved with greater amplitude. 
Does that make sense to anyone or I am way off track myself?
Thx,

mozartbrain OP
18 posts
 
@dangcaonguyen 
@vetterone 
@lewm 
@noromance 

Thank you All,
I have ordered the AS idler wheel with brass bushes.
Simone (from AS) asked if I would like to order the brass bushes for the motor too.
Any opinions?
Thx again,

mozartbrain OP
18 posts
 
@noromance  
Thank you for your recommendaiton.
The AS idler wheel arrived today. I have installed it and seems to make a slight 'whirr sound' but it sounds great. Especially. in the mid range. Also more dramatic/faster articulations/dynamics.
I haven't installed the bushes. It looks tricky. The existing upper bushing is firmly in place and I'm not sure how to remove it without some pressure. Is there are good way to do this or does it normally come out easily?
May be there is some tutorial/ video available somewhere?
Thank you,
mozartbrain OP
18 posts
 
@noromance 
The idler spins freely and the platter takes 18 secs to completely stop.
The 'whirring' is hardly audible and I can only hear it with the platter off with my ear a couple of inches away. 
Thx again,
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